The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 19, 1983
Filed:
Dec. 08, 1980
John E Martin, Springhouse, PA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A shell and tube type heat exchanger having a tube bundle supported at opposite ends in tube sheets is capable of being repaired quickly by closing off opposite ends of a damaged tube using the method and apparatus disclosed. The apparatus comprises a two-part tapered plug assembly which is adapted to be installed in the tube in alignment with the tube sheet and expanded radially outward into tight engagement with the interior of a tube by pulling an inner wedge portion of the plug assembly axially relative to an outer ring portion. The pulling is effected by an hydraulic ram which is connected by a breakaway unit to a pull rod which slides axially relative to a compression tube both of which are received axially within the defective tube. The hydraulic ram pulls the rod relative to the compression tube and thereby draws the wedge inside the ring until the breakaway connection releases the pull rod and enables the pull rod, compression tube and auxiliary parts to be withdrawn from the defective tube. A shorter length of compression tube and pull rod is utilized for plugging the other end of the defective tube and for plugging U-bend types of heat exchangers.